CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 203 



had the bark on, but with others this was removed. The wood is a 

 brilliant crimson when first cut ; even brighter than the Andaman 

 species, which in other respects it closely resembles. When exposed 

 to strong light it bleaches to golden-brown, but when the light is only 

 moderate the wood becomes a dull plum-red shade. The difference 

 between the Andaman and the African is then most apparent. It 

 possesses some of the qualities of a dye-wood, and water poured upon it 

 is quickly stained red. It is an effective decorative wood, stands well, 

 and takes a very smooth surface from the tool. It forms a handsome 

 flooring, and has been used for decorative panelling and furniture in 

 America. It should be useful for the bodies as well as for the felloes 

 of the wheels of gun-carriages, as it is strong, durable, and reliable. The 

 salient features of its construction are similar to those of the Andaman 

 wood, but it does not possess the strength of the latter. The colour is 

 slightly brighter, and the pores sometimes glisten with streaks of gum. 



There is also little doubt that the barwood which is imported from 

 Africa is the same timber, though this is usually obtained from much 

 smaller trees. 



The pores are exceedingly variable in size, and are very unevenly 

 distributed ; they are plainlj^ visible, to the naked eye, and are sometimes 

 sparsely filled with gum. The medullary rays are v^ery fine, close and 

 obscure, while, much more strongly marked, are seen irregular bands of 

 white lines which follow the lines of the concentric layers. 



Padauk, Andaman. Pterocarpus dalbergioides, Roxb. Weight, 48 lbs. 

 (Osmaston, Indian Forest Records, vol. i. pt. iii. No. i), 61 lbs., and 

 61 lbs. II oz. (my specimens). Andaman Islands. 



For correct pronunciation see Burma padauk. This name is Burmese, 

 for Burmese convicts in the Andamans seeing a tree resembling the 

 padauk of their own country, gave it the same name, which strictly does 

 not belong to it. Hitherto all the supplies have been provided by convict 

 labour, and the future development of the export will depend on the 

 labour available. (From private note of R. S. Troup.) 



The colour varies from " a deep crimson, through cherry red, pink, 

 and reddish-brown to brown " (Osmaston, op. cit.). If not heavily 

 polished it bleaches to a rich golden-brown on exposure to Hght and air. 

 When exposed to moderate light and well pohshed it retains almost its 

 original rich crimson colour. Gamble says that it fades to much the same 

 colour as teak. This must refer to its habit in India, where the heat is 

 greater and the sun more fierce, as it is not found to bleach in this way in 

 England or America. In the Andamans it is separated and classified 

 into two sorts, consisting of what are termed " on-coloured " and " off- 

 coloured," producing 70 per cent of the former and 30 per cent of the 



